Syria-Bound Choppers Offloaded in Russian Port

Three repaired Russian attack helicopters have been removed from a transport ship that was delivering them to Syria.

The three Mi-25 helicopters have been offloaded from the MV Alaed at the port of Baltiisk, in the Russian territory of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. They are likely to be moved to the 150th Aircraft Repair Plant outside Kaliningrad, where they will be kept, pending other decisions.

Reports did not say when the helicopters had been unloaded from the ship. However, earlier reports indicated that the Alaed had departed Baltiisk on July 18, sailing in a northwestern direction. The ship’s owner stated that it would sail to St Petersburg, where it would take on additional cargo, and then continue on to the Far East.

International criticism has followed this vessel’s journey as Russia continues its arms relationship with Syria and made the controversial decision to return the Soviet-era helicopters, which had been sent back to Russia for repairs.

Russia is Syria’s largest arms dealer, accounting for billions of dollars in sales in recent years, according to ABC News.

Photo (thumb): Example of a Russian Mil Mi-28N

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